Between June 6, 2001 and
August 15, 2001, an unknown individual or individuals attempted or
committed 24 burglaries of occupied residences in the Christina, Longwood
Oaks and Royal Forest subdivisions, south of Lakeland. In each case, entry
was gained through opened garages, unlocked doors and windows.

Once this trend of offenses
became apparent, the Sheriff's Office implemented a number of tactics in
an attempt to apprehend the perpetrators. Those tactics included increased
patrols, the quick deployment of K-9, the utilization of the Air Unit and
surveillance activities.

Early Thursday morning,
August 16, 2001, during one of those surveillances, deputies observed a
white mini-van traveling along a dirt access road next to the Longwood
Oaks subdivision, this occurred at approximately 4 a.m.

A male subject was observed
exiting the vehicle and attempting to penetrate the fence surrounding the
subdivision. Within moments, the van sped off from the area. Responding
deputies closed in on the vehicle, which proceeded south on State Road 37
at normal speeds. As support units converged, the van made a rapid turn
into the Lakewood Mobile Park and accelerated to the west. This road is a
dead end and the suspect vehicle careened through a fence, coming to halt
on a railroad right of way. One subject was observed exiting the vehicle
and fleeing on foot.

Attempts to apprehend this
subject were unsuccessful. It is believed that a second suspect fled the
initial observation area and also eluded deputies. The vehicle, a white
Ford Wind Star, was stolen during the course of a burglary in early June
in the same vicinity of the other events.

Efforts at identifying the
suspects and locating them continue. Detectives are requesting assistance
in locating the possible suspect(s). Anyone with information who wishes to
remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $2,000 reward is asked to
call Polk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.